Washington has consistently been seeking starting pitching this off-season and has targeted free agent Wei-Yin Chen, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
Why this rumor makes sense
The Nationals missed out on free agents Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister, so it makes sense for the club to be exploring other options. Chen is a veteran who has proven he can be successful and versatile throughout the course of his career.
Washington has been linked to Mike Leake, however he appeared to be too expensive. The Nationals have not been hesitant to give certain players large free agent contracts in the past. However, Leake's asking price could have been notably high.
There is not one club that has aggressively pursued Chen this off-season, which could give the Nationals an edge. While multiple teams are interested in signing him, some of the larger free agents have received more attention.
Chen, 30, pitched to a 3.34 ERA and 4.16 FIP over 191.1 innings with the Orioles in 2015.
Why this rumor does not make sense
Even though the Nationals have a good relationship with agent Scott Boras and Chen is a Boras client, the organization might not be willing to sign Chen to the five-year contract he is reportedly seeking.
Over the five year period, Chen is hoping to receive $100 million, which the Nationals might not necesarily be in a position to give him. If Leake was too expensive, Chen might also prove to be too costly.
The Nationals might not have a desire to sign a top free agent starter because of their depth. Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg all have spots in the club's rotation, with Joe Ross and Tanner Roark also capable of starting games.
Prospects A.J. Cole and Lucas Giolito could be prepared to join Washington's rotation soon, and as a result, signing major free agent to a large deal might not be necessary.
Likeliness overall: 3/10
Chen would probably have success with the Nationals, but their starting pitching depth makes adding a top starter this winter unnecessary.